Conveying-chain structure



Feb. 17, 1931. J a DA COSTA 1,793,065

CONVEYING CHAIN STRUCTURE Filed April 22. 1.929

\ INVENTOR.

JAMES SDA COSTA,

A TTORNE Y.

MW/Q-W v Patented Feb. 17, 1931 JAMES S. DA COSTA,

OF MERGHANTVILLE, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO JERVIS B. WEBB, 01" DETROIT, IVIICI'IIGAN I convEYmG-cnmn srnucrnnn Application -filed April 22,

This invention relates to conveying chain structures, and it has for its object to provide a conveying chain in which the center links and the side links are interchangeable with respect to each other, the whole assembly being such that While the chain may be easily and quickly disassembled when desired, accidental disassembly in use will be effectually prevented. 'A chain having the characteristics above recited is shown and described in my copending application, Serial No. 322,263, filed on the 27th day of November, 1928. In said copending application, the center links of the chain are in two halves which, in their normal position, are of such thickness as to keep the side links of the chain spread apart and in engagement with the heads of the pins by which the links are united. Normally, the two halves of the center links are held against longitudinal movement with respect to each other by the presence of a suitable locking device or key, and when it is desired to disassemble the chain this key is removed and the two halves I of the center link are moved longitudinally with respect to each other to a position where they may be collapsed as to width. This reduction in width of thecenter links permits the side links to move inwardly enough to free them of the heads of the pins, and permits longitudinal movement of the pins and side links with respect to each other to a position where, if the pins be given a quarter turn to bring their heads into alignment with the slots of the side links, said side links may be lifted free of said pins. 2

The structure constituting the subject matter of the present application is, in the main, like that of the copending application referred to, but it involves differences in design of the connecting pins and links by virtue of which greater and more effective hearing surface between the pins and the links will be secured, than has been possible with the structures heretofore proposed.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows. I

In the accompanying drawing,

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a portion of a two.

1929; Serial in). 357,199.

chain constructed in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 2 is a view the center link, moved to collapsed position,

Fig. 3 is an. inner face view of one of the links, and i Figs. 4t and 5 are side and plan views of one of the transverse pins,by which the several links are united.

By referring to Fig. 1, it will be observed hat the elements constituting the side links 5 and center links 6 are substantially identical in form, and, consequently, are interchangeable with respect to each other. It is clear that this yields many advantages in the practical manufacture and use of the device. From the standpoint of manufacture, it means that dies of only one form needbe employed with a consequent reduction in the cost ofinitial outlay and upkeep, with respect to the same. From the standpoint of the user, it means that he need have only one type of repair element in hand, instead of Further, there is less likelihood of error in the securing of repair parts, where only one kind is needed.

When the links are used as side links the transverse connecting pins 7 have their heads 8 seated between lugs 9, and when the chain is in condition for use, the side links are held apart by the presence of the center links (3, at which time the lugs 9 which correspond to the lugs 9 of the sidelinks, face toward and contact with each other. When the center links are in this position their combined width is such as to hold the side links apart;

By referring to Figs. 1, 4L and 5, it will be seen that the body portions of the pins 7 exceed in diameter the widths of the heads 8 of said pins, and that the links are so shaped as to have an effective bearing upon a circularportion of the pin, over substantially the full length of the latter. For example, when these links are used as center links, I am able to secure a full bearing from X to Y and Y to Z, with a corresponding increase in bearing surface to the ends of the pins when they are used as side links. Each link is preferably, though not necessarily, provided intermediate its ends with lugs 10.

illustrating two halves of These lugs perform no function when the links are used as side links, but when the links are used as center links, they are traverser by any suitable form of locking device. I have chosen, merely for purposes of explanation, to illustrate a conventional form of cotter pin 11, and this cotter pin preferably fits t 1e openings in the lugs 10, through which it passes, more or less loosely.

One of the most important fields of use of chains of this character is in connection with power driven, continuous overhead conveyor systems, wherein the chain connects a series of trolleys running upon a single overhead rail, the articles to be conveyed being sus pended from the trolleys.

T he high degree of efiiciency of modern industrial plants, in mass production, has been largely brought about by the wide spread use of these chain conveying systems. it is the practice to run these chain convey ors in almost eve y conceivable direction, and with all sorts of turns, dips, bends and reverse curvcs included in their length.

By virtue of the present invention, I provide a chain which will readily adapt itself to all conditions of use, may be readily separated to facilitate the initial installation of the conveyors, changes in the location of a given run of conveyor chain, or changes in the character of the chain to adapt it to handle a dilferent type of article. i

It will he observed that when the chain is to be separated, the cotter pin 11 is removed and the two halves of the center links are shifted with respect to each other until they lie in the position illustrated in Fig. At this time, their combined width is so much less than formerly that the ends of the side links may be moved toward each other ei'ioucgh to disengage the lugs 9 from the heads 8 of the connecting pins 7, after which said pins and side links may be moved longitudinally, with respect to each other, enough to carry the heads of the pins over the tops of the inner lugs 9. By then giving the heads of the pins 7 av quarter turn they are brought to such position as to pass through the slots of the side links, and this, of course, parts the chain.

Each link is beveled at its ends, as indicated at 15, for the purpose of permitting the various links to rock to positions of slight angularity with respect to each other. This permits the conveyor chain, as a whole, to travel in an arcuate path, without binding between the parts and, at the same time, without undesirable looseness of fit between the center links and the side links.

lit to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular construction set forth, but that includes within its purview whatever changes fairly come within either the terms or the spirit of the appended claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A chain construction comprising a plurality of identical links adapted to serve either as side links or as elements of a twopart center link, transverse pins for connecting the center and side links, having arcuate outer faces and heads with which the side links are held in looking engagement as long as the center links are in place and of normal width, the parts of the center links being shittable with respect to each other to a position where they are collapsed as to effective width, and a locking device engaging the parts of the center links in such manner as to hold them against movement to collapsing position, said heads of the pins being in Width than the diameter of the pins, and lying i iwardly of the outer ends of said pins that said links have a. bearing upon said pins substantially throughout the length of the latter.

A chain of the character descri 10d prising side links, two-part center ll ,comin z 1 elements of the side links and center lin being interchange ble with each other, as transverse circular connecting pins having; lateral projections constituting heads upon said pins inwardly of the outer ends of the ircular portions thereof, said links being provided with lugs adjacent their ends between which the heads of the pins lie when the links used as side links, and which lugs are shaped to serve as contacting; abutments throughout their width when said links are used as center links, the diameter of said pins being greater than the width of the heads thereof.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

JAMES S. DA COSTA.

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